Learning about Brownies
Oct. 20th, 2017 11:18 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
smallhobbitNormally I do a Brownie post fortnightly, but somehow I've miscalculated, and, as it's the end of the half term, you're getting another post this week!
With only two leaders present (Sparkly Owl had gone to a wedding reception) we decided we'd go for something easy, and continue with learning about Brownies, how the organisation came about, and some of our traditions.
We began by reading the Brownie Story - in which two children visit a wise old owl and learn how they could be helpful brownies. I adopted the same method as last time, split the girls into twos and allocated each couple a character; when their character does something in the story the girls act it out. Some of the Brownies remembered doing this from last time, about a year ago, but they all joined in with enthusiasm. The only slight disappointment was two of our new girls were away, for whatever reason, and missed out.
After which we moved into the large hall for a running quiz. We were surprised at how little the older Brownies could remember about some of the guiding basics - like when Thinking Day is. We do try to tell them about such things, because it gives them an idea of how big an organisation they belong to, and that there are Guides and Brownies all over the world. On the plus side, it's inspired us to celebrate Thinking Day next year - because it falls on a Brownie evening - and we'll then have a go at the World Guiding badge.
Finally we began to talk about the Brownie promise. We thought this might be quite difficult to discuss 'be true to myself and develop my beliefs', but it led to a really good talk about dealing with bullies, and having faith in yourself. Even some of the quieter girls joined in, and they all had really sensible things to say - impressive for 7 to 9 year olds.
And now, a question for my flist, because you were all very helpful when I was preparing for the World Traveller badge:
Does anyone (anywhere) have a friend or relative who runs a Brownie/Girl Scout/Guide unit for the 7 to 10 age group, who would be interested in swapping postcards with us. Obviously everything would be sent to the Leader(s) rather than directly to the girls.
With only two leaders present (Sparkly Owl had gone to a wedding reception) we decided we'd go for something easy, and continue with learning about Brownies, how the organisation came about, and some of our traditions.
We began by reading the Brownie Story - in which two children visit a wise old owl and learn how they could be helpful brownies. I adopted the same method as last time, split the girls into twos and allocated each couple a character; when their character does something in the story the girls act it out. Some of the Brownies remembered doing this from last time, about a year ago, but they all joined in with enthusiasm. The only slight disappointment was two of our new girls were away, for whatever reason, and missed out.
After which we moved into the large hall for a running quiz. We were surprised at how little the older Brownies could remember about some of the guiding basics - like when Thinking Day is. We do try to tell them about such things, because it gives them an idea of how big an organisation they belong to, and that there are Guides and Brownies all over the world. On the plus side, it's inspired us to celebrate Thinking Day next year - because it falls on a Brownie evening - and we'll then have a go at the World Guiding badge.
Finally we began to talk about the Brownie promise. We thought this might be quite difficult to discuss 'be true to myself and develop my beliefs', but it led to a really good talk about dealing with bullies, and having faith in yourself. Even some of the quieter girls joined in, and they all had really sensible things to say - impressive for 7 to 9 year olds.
And now, a question for my flist, because you were all very helpful when I was preparing for the World Traveller badge:
Does anyone (anywhere) have a friend or relative who runs a Brownie/Girl Scout/Guide unit for the 7 to 10 age group, who would be interested in swapping postcards with us. Obviously everything would be sent to the Leader(s) rather than directly to the girls.
no subject
Date: 2017-10-20 08:28 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2017-10-20 08:36 pm (UTC)I'm hopeful we will - it will be good for our girls to see there are other Brownies around.
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Date: 2017-10-21 02:16 am (UTC)So, what *is* Thinking Day and when is it? :D
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Date: 2017-10-21 07:22 am (UTC)If you were happy to approach the parents, that would be great. It's nice if we can make a more personal connection for the girls - we tell them about Guiding in other countries, but at that age seeing something from someone their own age has more of an impact. I'd be happy to provide more information if it was required.